Eleanor Smith

Project: Internship at the Borgo Laudato si' Center, Castel Gandolfo, Italy

This summer, I had the opportunity to work at Borgo Laudato Si’, a property located within the Papal Villas in Castel Gandolfo, just outside of Rome. The Borgo is a project rooted in Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, which calls us to recognize the deep connection between care for creation and care for one another. At the heart of Laudato Si’ is the idea of “integral ecology,” the understanding that environmental, social, economic, and spiritual concerns cannot be separated because “everything is connected.”

Borgo Laudato Si’ seeks to turn these ideas into a lived reality. It brings together environmental sustainability, spirituality, human dignity, education, and community, with a particular concern for those who are most vulnerable. Through education, hospitality, agriculture, conservation, sustainable practices, and opportunities for work and formation, the Borgo creates a space where people can learn these principles and see what it looks like to put them into practice.

Much of my role centered on hospitality. I welcomed visitors, gave tours, supported events, and helped share the mission of the Borgo with people from countless countries, cultures, and languages. Every day brought new conversations and opportunities to connect with people whose experiences were different from my own. I found that some of the most meaningful moments came through these everyday interactions with visitors and staff, whether it was asking and answering questions, learning someone’s backstory, or simply helping people feel seen and welcomed. These conversations gave me the chance to broaden my perspective by learning from others while also connecting with them through conversations about the mission of the Borgo.

Coming into this experience, my goal was to approach it with gratitude, an open mind, and a willingness to learn. I wanted to immerse myself in the community, learn from the people around me, and contribute in whatever way I could. Through my daily interactions and responsibilities, I began to see how much meaning can come from small, everyday actions. Welcoming a visitor, sharing a story, helping with an event, or simply taking the time to listen could all help build a sense of connection and community. Looking back now, I leave with a much deeper appreciation for the power of community, hospitality, and these small acts of care.

Throughout the summer, I saw sustainability discussed through science, education, agriculture, history, faith, and human relationships. The setting itself became part of the learning experience, and people from different disciplines, organizations, and countries worked together toward a shared purpose. The emphasis on serving others with dignity, creating opportunities for inclusion, and turning ideas into everyday action showed me what integral ecology looks like when it is lived instead of simply studied.

The greatest lesson I will carry with me is that meaningful change rarely happens through one extraordinary moment. It grows through consistent acts of care, curiosity, and collaboration. Before this summer, sustainability often felt like an overwhelming challenge filled with problems too big for one person to solve. The Borgo taught me that it becomes much less daunting when you focus on one conversation, one act of service, and one small step at a time. Those small moments build trust, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact.

Although my internship has come to an end, I do not feel that my connection to the Borgo has. The people, the mission, and the community have left a lasting impression on me. I hope to return one day, whether as a visitor or volunteer, and continue supporting the work being done there. Borgo Laudato Si’ will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know the lessons I learned this summer will continue to shape how I think about sustainability, service, and the role each of us can play in caring for our common home.